SAN DIEGO, Aug. 9, 2019 – Unsafe digging from construction and landscaping activities resulted in almost 400 natural gas leaks in San Diego and southern Orange counties last year. In observance of National Safe Digging Day on Aug. 11, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is joining energy companies across America to highlight the importance of calling 811 to have underground utility lines marked before digging.

Underground utilities, including natural gas pipelines, telephone cables and water lines, are located everywhere, including under streets, sidewalks and private property, sometimes just inches below the surface.

Hitting a natural gas line can result in a serious safety hazard, fires, property damage, loss of utility service, costly repairs and fines. Gas leaks disrupt daily lives and cause a wide range of inconveniences to the public from service outages and closed streets, to emergency service personnel who are forced to respond.

“Whether you are planning to do a project yourself or hire a professional, be sure to call 811 to get utility lines marked if excavation is involved,” said Gina Orozco, SDG&E’s vice president of gas distribution.  “A simple phone call can help keep workers, residents, first responders and our employees safe.”

The process is easy. Call 811 or submit a request at DigAlert.org at least two business days before digging. SDG&E will mark the location of buried gas lines free of charge. There is also an 811 app that makes it even easier to schedule and track requests. It typically takes only 24-48 hours to complete a request to mark underground utility lines. No damage